Gardner Public Safety Committee Recommends Hybrid Winter Parking Ban to Reduce Vehicle Towing
- Meeting Overview:
The Gardner Public Safety Committee meeting focused on a proposed amendment to the city’s winter parking regulations. The proposed ordinance aims to implement a hybrid model of the winter parking ban, seeking to balance street maintenance efficiency with resident convenience. The committee recommended the ordinance for first printing.
The discussion during the meeting centered on the challenges posed by the current Code Red system, which was implemented to notify residents to move their vehicles during snow events. It was highlighted that under this system, many vehicles remain on the streets, complicating plowing efforts and increasing the number of vehicles towed. Data presented showed an increase in vehicles being towed under the current system compared to the previous seasonal ban. The director of public works, through a written communication, and members of the police department expressed support for the proposed amendment, emphasizing the need for a more efficient approach to snow removal.
The proposed hybrid model would focus on enforcing parking restrictions primarily during the months of January and February, the peak snow season. This approach is intended to minimize inconvenience for residents while ensuring that city streets are adequately cleared of snow. Those in favor of the ordinance argued that the new system would reduce the strain on public works and public safety officers during snowstorms. The committee emphasized the importance of the proposed ordinance as a compromise between the previous full-season ban and the current system.
Michael J. Nicholson
Public Safety Committee Officials:
Craig R. Cormier, Karen Hardern, Dana Heath
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Meeting Type:
Public Safety Committee
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
12/01/2025
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Recording Published:
12/02/2025
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Duration:
10 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Worcester County
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Towns:
Gardner
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